Approximately one in seven couples have difficulty conceiving
I have written a number of specialist fertility blog posts which you can find here
I have a Diploma in Preconception, Pregnancy and Post Natal Care Reflexology from the London School of Reflexology
Approximately one in seven couples experience fertility problems.
Although it is often assumed that the problem lies with the woman, this is only actually true in approximately a third of cases.
Even a couple with no fertility obstacles will take, on average, between 12-18 months of ‘trying’ before they conceive. We live in a fast-paced world and tend to forget that nature’s natural rhythm moves at a much slower pace.
A woman is most fertile between 18 and 25. Fertility has always been thought to decline dramatically from the age of 35 but Lord Robert Winston, Britain’s leading fertility expert, has argued that many women remain fertile at least until their mid 40s. It may be harder the older you get, but that doesn’t mean you need to start panicking as your 40th year approaches.
Some fertility reflexologists are very precise about when you should have reflexology in your reproductive cycle; they map your cycles and follow specific protocols at specific points and get very involved in the detail. This is a perfectly valid approach but not one that I personally take. What I offer my clients is a peaceful and safe space away from the stress and anxiety associated with trying/struggling to conceive. My objective is to work with what your body is telling me every time and tailor-make each treatment you have with me accordingly. Of course I’m still interested in your cycles and how they may change over time; but for me it’s more about providing you with the physical and emotional support that you need on your fertility journey, which will never be exactly the same for everyone. So, if you just want to come and lie back and relax and take your mind off everything, we can do that. If you want to talk about how you’re feeling, we can do that too. It’s all about your needs.
I have experience of working with women with a variety of gynaecological issues including PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, high FSH, low AMH etc. and am familiar with the latest medical fertility treatments and protocols and how Reflexology can work safely alongside them.
If you’re taking time to get pregnant, it may help to look at the overall health and lifestyles of you and your partner. Are you…
Stressed and anxious
Working long hours
Eating processed/convenience food?
Drinking lots of caffeinated drinks or alcohol?
Not getting enough sleep?
Not feeling 100% fit & well?
Feeling emotionally fragile?
Significantly over or under weight?
Reflexology may benefit you both, whether you’re trying to conceive naturally or undergoing fertility treatment, because it:
…can create a sense of calm and relaxation. Trying for a baby can put a great deal of pressure on both partners and it can be a very stressful time. There is little doubt that stress can play a part in a couple’s ability to conceive
…gives you space away from everyday life and is focused entirely on making you feel good
…provides you with a safe space to talk your concerns through, if that’s what you want to do
…may improve your overall health and well-being and put your body back into balance
…is incredibly sensitive. It may pick up and work on subtle imbalances in your body, which together may be significant enough to make it harder for you to conceive
…is holistic, so all parts of your body (and mind) are considered during a reflexology session. Sometimes a couple’s ability to conceive could be affected by problems that seem to be unrelated, as well as the more obvious issues like hormone imbalances. Reflexology seeks out the problem areas and works to restore balance there
