Česky
In June this year, midwives participated in a practical seminar focused on the basics of foot reflexology during pregnancy and childbirth. This professional course was led by MUDr. Soňa Hájková, who introduced the participants in detail to the principles of holistic reflexology. In the theoretical part, she introduced the so-called map of the soles of the feet, i.e. the distribution of reflex points that correspond to the individual organs of the human body, and illustrated their effects through case studies from her own practice.
The practical part of the seminar was devoted to practicing the technique itself. The midwives, under the guidance of the lecturer, learned the topography of the foot, the different types of palpation and the reflexology treatment set-up used in the two main periods. The first is the period of pregnancy when massage can help a woman relax, calm the mind and better prepare for the upcoming birth. The second is the period before birth itself, when the aim is to help open the birth canal and support the body in the natural onset of labour.
"Reflex foot massage is a technique that stimulates specific points on the soles of the feet. These points are connected to different organs and parts of the body according to the principles of reflexology. In our care for women, we use this method not only to relax them during the actual birth, but also, for example, for transferred pregnancies. In such cases, we apply massage to selected points that stimulate the uterus and pituitary gland, which can support the natural onset of contractions," explains midwife Bc. Pavla Nedvědová.
The massage is performed on the dry skin of the feet, without the use of oils, and uses a wide range of gentle and deeper touch - from stroking, to squeezing, to targeted squeezing of specific points. The experience of the massage itself is very pleasant for most women and induces a deep sense of relaxation, releasing tension and contributing to a better perception of one's own body.
The inclusion of reflex massage in the spectrum of care for pregnant women represents another step towards a holistic approach to parents. In this way, the team of midwives reaffirms that childbirth can be not only safe, but also kind, calm and respectful of each woman's wishes and needs.
