Page 29 - Clarion February 2018

Words on Well Being

April Boardman of The Well Being offers advice stress and aches and helping to get your body
in a new monthly column. ready for the big event.
At this time of year we see lambs in the fields Lower back pain can be an issue and some
springing into life, so I thought I would write women find walking very uncomfortable in the
about pregnancy. Hopefully if you are pregnant latter stages of pregnancy as the child gets lower
you are looking after your health, have listened to in the pelvic cavity, you can ask your health
your midwife and your friends’ experiences of professional about a special support to wear if
childbirth and read books or internet searched the this is the case. It may be hard to get comfortable
subject. You may have chosen home or hospital in bed, so side lying with a pillow between your
for the birth and who you want there to support knees can be a more comfortable position, as it
you at the birth. helps to take the strain out of your back. After the
You may have some anxieties about childbirth, first trimester of pregnancy it is usually safe to
most women want a 'natural childbirth', but what have massage; a good therapist will always do a
does that mean? The probability is that most full health history prior to treating you to make
women want as pain free a birth as possible. sure. A pregnancy massage is usually performed
Well, childbirth does have an element of pain, it with you side lying and lying on your back. At
is referred to as 'labour' after all but if we can The Well Being I use something called a Comfy
reduce anxiety we also reduce the level of pain Client Cushion which helps support an expectant
experienced. Maybe this is your first pregnancy mother in comfort during treatment. It's bliss.
and you want to overcome your anxieties or Make sure you eat healthily, drink 6-8 glasses of
maybe you have given birth before and it has left water a day and get gentle exercise and rest. Put
you feeling fearful this time around? your feet up when you can to aid lymph flow and
Relaxation and hypnotherapy can help you to reduce swollen ankles. You can also gently
manage your anxiety and allow you to take massage your tummy and nipples with unscented
control of your experience. Hypnosis teaches you oil or balm, to help reduce stretch marks and to
how to take yourself into a calm and relaxed state prepare your breasts for breastfeeding. Any
of mind, so lessening your pain and aiding the creams or balms you use must be safe for baby
delivery of your baby. Many women have when feeding and coconut oil is a good choice or
benefited from hypnosis for child birth, finding a camomile balm, which is also safe for babies to
that they managed to have a much easier delivery. ingest and is also very healing for chaffed skin.
Women were made to bear children and child Always read the labels and check with your
birth is a natural process but sometimes we do midwife if you are unsure.
need a little help and there is no shame in that. During labour Clary sage oil and lavender in a
Even if you can't afford hypnotherapy there is base oil rubbed on your back can be helpful to
much you can do to help yourself. It's good to ease muscles and relax you; get your
learn to relax in the early months, there are some aromatherapist to make some up for you.
good apps and don't forget Pregnancy Massage Enjoy your pregnancy, it's a very special time.
and Reiki Healing are also excellent for easing April Boardman

Cleobury Clarion - Page !29 - February 2018