As you may have seen on my social media channels within the past couple of days, I recently announced that I was expanding my business and setting up a new treatment room within the lovely Expectancy Scanning Studios Ltd who are based in Bobbing – Sittingbourne (full details at the end of this blog)!
To honour this occasion, I thought why not write a blog post talking all things pregnancy & post-natal that relate to Jodie Purcell Therapies! So here we are…
Firstly, before we go any further, I do think it is important to state that any therapies used during pregnancy, including massage, reflexology or facials, must be completely complimentary rather than an alternative to normal maternity care and treatments should be carried out by therapists who are qualified, accredited and insured.
And just a quick disclaimer that it is also advised that no treatments be carried out in the first trimester (0-12 weeks). If you have any questions surrounding this please do get in touch and we can chat further.
Now that’s out the way – lets begin!
[Image Credit: Pinterest]
Complimentary therapies during pregnancy can be of enormous benefit, not only to mum but also to the unborn baby! Receiving treatments during this time can emotionally and physiologically support a woman when her body is undergoing changes and can help prepare the body for birth.
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage include:
· Release of muscular tension of the upper back, shoulders, lower back and hips
· Induces deep relaxation and peaceful sleep
· Helps to reduce emotional stress, anxiety and creates a sense of wellbeing
· Stimulation of circulation will distribute essential nutrients and fluid to all the vital organs of the body, especially the placenta, which will feed and aid the development of the baby
· Lymphatic drainage will eliminate toxins from the cells and blood and help reduce oedema, which can be a contributory factor in carpal tunnel and tarsal tunnel syndrome
· Sluggish bowel movement is aided, helping to avoid constipation and haemorrhoids
· Massage will enhance mum to be’s relationship with her body
· A stress-free environment is created in which the baby can peacefully and lovingly grow as massage releases ‘feel good’ endorphins which are passed onto the baby
During pregnancy massages, I always use the Neal’s Yard Remedies Mother’s Massage Oil, which is certified 100% organic (by the Soil Association) and skin-nourishing. It is beautifully aromatic and infused with relaxing Neroli, uplifting Mandarin and Sweet Almond Essential Oils, as well as vitamin-E rich wheatgerm oil.
Pregnancy Facials
As well as pregnancy massage, another great treatment to have during this time is a Holistic Facial. During pregnancy, skin will be glowing but the inevitable hormone fluctuations and surges can create skin challenges and cause sensitivity. This can look like breakouts, dryness and redness. For more information on what facials I offer – please refer to the treatment descriptions – linked [here]
Some of my favourite Neal’s Yard Remedies products to incorporate into my pregnancy facials include:
Wild Rose Beauty Balm – Hero product
[Image credit: Neal’s Yard Remedies]
Glow-giving and intensely nourishing: this award-winning multipurpose balm has been a beauty editor favourite since 2004. With organic wild rosehip seed oil to enhance radiance and a rich blend of organic plant oils to hydrate and nourish, skin is left soft and supple with a natural glow, however you choose to use it.
Enhances radiance: enjoy instantly radiant skin with the glow-giving properties of organic wild rosehip seed oil.
One pot wonder: from an intensive moisture boost to an exfoliating cleanser, a cuticle softener to finishing touches, this super-nourishing balm is a truly versatile skincare hero.
Intensely nourishing: a rich blend of organic jojoba, hemp seed and borage oils combine to help trap moisture within the skin’s surface to leave skin feeling soft and supple.
You can purchase yours here
Sensitive Soothing Cleansing Milk
Gentle yet effective, this certified organic cleansing milk is perfect to use as part of your daily sensitive skincare routine. With organic borage oil to soothe and cocoa butter to nourish, this cooling cream cleanser will gently remove everyday impurities without drying out the skin, to leave it feeling cleansed and refreshed.
· Cleanses and refreshes without drying the skin
· Ideal for sensitive skin types
· Fragrance-free and dermatologically tested
· Certified organic and vegan approved
Rehydrating Rose Facial Polish
This facial polish revitalises, gently exfoliates and enriches normal skin types. With antioxidant rich milk thistle, cooling aloe vera and exfoliating wild rose seed powder, this weekly treatment removes everyday impurities and dead skin cells, to leave you with a smoother complexion.
· For normal skin types
· Rehydrating, brightening and refreshing
· Rich in protecting antioxidants
· Microbead free
Reviving White Tea Facial Mist
This beautifully light facial mist leaves skin feeling instantly hydrated and soothed. With antioxidant-rich white tea to help counteract the effects of pollutants and cooling organic aloe vera, it’s perfect for a refreshing spritz when you’re on the go.
· Hydrates and soothes dry skin
· Helps counteract the effects of pollutants
· Dermatologically tested
· Can be used over make-up
· For all skin types
Pregnancy facials are perfect for those who don’t like having their body touched, or who feel too swollen or sore to have anywhere other than their face be handled.
Just a quick FYI… I am currently completing a course in Maternity Reflexology which covers all 3 trimesters so more on how Reflexology can benefit you during your pregnancy coming very soon…!!
Post-Natal Treatments
Post-Natal Massage
Aids the body’s recovering after giving birth by:
· Encourages aching muscles to relax
· Promoting lymphatic drainage
· Helps process the emotional side of birth
Post-Natal Reflexology
The body goes through such a change after pregnancy and a natural way to help recover from this is by having a post-natal reflexology treatment. This treatment can:
· Balance hormones
· Helps calm the nervous system which is beneficial for those experiencing post-natal anxiety/depression.
At Home Self Care
The perfect treat for a new mum…
[Image credit: Neal’s Yard Remedies]
With uplifting, organic Bergamot and Ylang Ylang essential oils, this beautifully aromatic skin-nourishing bath oil encourages a sense of wellbeing.
https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/jodiepurcell/area/shop-online/category/caring-for-mum/product/1660/mothers-bath-oil-100ml/
[Image credit: Neal’s Yard Remedies]
Neal’s Yard Remedies 100% organic and fragrance-free balm is the ideal product for new mums-to-be. With a blend of skin-nourishing oils and beeswax, it's also clinically proven to increase skin's firmness and elasticity.
· Clinically proven to increase skin's firmness and elasticity
· Improves the appearance of stretch marks
· Deeply nourishing
· Certified 100% organic by the Soil Association
· AllergyCertified and fragrance-free
Gifting
If you know anyone who is pregnant and are looking for the perfect gift – I’ve got you covered…
[Image credit: Neal’s Yard Remedies]
Treat mother and baby with this award-winning, natural and organic collection. Our baby range has been lovingly crafted to protect and care for baby's delicate skin. Our skin-nourishing, organic mother’s range helps expectant mothers during and after pregnancy.
Jodie Purcell Therapies Gift Voucher
I offer gift vouchers for 60/90 minute pregnancy & post-natal treatments – to purchase one of these please email me at jodiepurcelltherapies@gmail.com
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As I mentioned earlier, I am joining a great team at the Expectancy Scanning Studios & I’d like to do a little shout out of them and all the brilliant services they offer:
Expectancy Scanning Studios – Early pregnancy scans, 3D/4D scans, women’s pelvic scans, Group B Strep tests, Harmony tests and more
We Hypnobirth - Hypnobirthing, antenatal & postnatal classes
Website: www.wehypnobirth.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wehypnobirth/
Mini First Aid Midkent – 2 hour baby & child first aid classes
Website: www.midkent.minifirstaid.co.uk
Stay Fit Physiotherapy – Chartered Physiotherapist and expert in Women’s Health
Website: www.stayfitphysiotherapy.com
Thanks for reading! I hope this blog post has been informative!
Please do let me know if you have any questions & I will be more than happy to answer them!
Jodie x