When a baby arrives it is an exciting time, there has been a lot of preparation and waiting in anticipation of their arrival and now they are here. Change is one thing that is inevitable at this time as new routines are established and it isn’t as easy or quick to leave the house as it once was due to having to feed or change a nappy.

It can be quite an exhausting time for new parents as you get to know this little person and they get to know you. Just as you are learning and starting out on this wonderful journey, so too is your baby. They have been in a safe, comfortable and protected environment for the last 9 months where there were no worries as their needs were perfectly met while in the womb. Now they find themselves in quite a harsh physical world filled with lots of stimulation in the form of different sounds, smells and touch that they need to adjust to while relying on you to take care of their basic needs of hunger, comfort and love. It is a time of learning a new language or way of communicating, the language between you and your baby.

Touch is an essential ingredient of life, we all need it from babies through to the elderly. It is the language of compassion and love. When we touch someone, we connect energetically stimulating the body to release serotonin, the feel good hormone, and oxytocin, the love hormone. Oxytocin helps with bonding and is the hormone released during childbirth. Touch helps to reduce stress, slows down heart rate and promotes relaxation. It also boosts the immune system promoting health and wellbeing and signals safety and trust. A research study that was conducted on premature newborns has shown that fifteen minutes of touch given three times a day for five to ten days resulted in them gaining 47% more weight than infants who received standard medical treatment. This just goes to show how crucial it is for babies to be touched.

Reflexology is a complementary therapy that works on the premise that all the organs in the body have reflexes in the feet and hands. By using a specific massage technique on the feet or hands, overactive areas in the body are calmed and underactive areas are stimulated thus restoring balance to the body.

Relaxation is a key aspect of Reflexology and when the body is relaxed it is able to heal. Reflexology facilitates the body’s natural healing abilities, strengthening any weak areas. Reflexology treats the body as a whole and focuses on the cause of illness or dis-ease and restoring balance. A symptom is merely a warning sign that something is out of balance similar to a light flashing on your car dashboard that needs to be investigated.

It is a gentle and non-invasive therapy that can be done anywhere, anytime. Babies and children respond very well and quickly to Reflexology as they have not yet built up congestions and emotional baggage.

Birthing a baby can be tiring for mum and baby, sometimes there may be trauma involved where baby gets stuck and forceps have to be used or an emergency C section after a long labour. Baby’s spine may be out of alignment or there may be stiffness in muscles from the birthing experience which may cause niggles in the early days.

Benefits of Reflexology for Babies and young children

• Feels good and is enjoyed

• Respond quickly, usually instantaneously

• Maintains good health and wellbeing

• Helps to drain sinuses, clearing blocked noses and preventing chest infections

• Promotes bonding and connection

• Results in deep relaxation so the body can heal itself

• Promotes fast recovery from illness and also prevents illness by strengthening the immune system.

• Helps gain weight and sleep better

• May help to relieve symptoms of the following childhood ailments

1. Repeated ear infections

2. Reflux

3. Colic

4. Constipation

5. Glue ear

6. Teething problems

7. Tonsillitis

8. Chest infections

9. Asthma

10. Eczema

11. Hyperactivity

12. Sleeping disorders

13. It is safe to give during prescribed medical treatment

Effects that may be experienced after a treatment

As mentioned babies respond very quickly to treatment, if they have a blocked nose you may notice their nose streaming even during a treatment. They may be more windy and flatulent and they may fill their nappy during or straight after a treatment. Any symptoms may seem worse for 24 hours as they work their way out the body. They may urinate more and usually have a very deep sleep after a treatment allowing their body time to heal. Toddlers and young children usually sleep well and symptoms feel better after a treatment.

Would you like to learn how to support your children using Reflexology?

I have upgraded and am relaunching my Reflexology for Little Feet online course, where you will be able to learn how to support your baby, toddler or young child's health and well-being in a natural, gentle and non-invasive way, from the comfort of your home.

If you have any questions, please get in touch. I have supported my own children since they were born and they are extremely healthy. These techniques have been able to stop colds in their tracks, to ease discomfort and help them sleep better amongst many other things.

I would love to hear if there is anything I can help you with, so please post on my facebook page below or reply to this and let me know.


With love,