I had a client for Reflexology the other night and when I had started to take her consulation it transpired thar she was just 4 months pregnant and was still having quite a lot of morning sickness. I explained that I was a little apprehensive and suggested that she contact her doctor before I would be happy to carry out a course of treatment. Was I being over cautious?
I don't think you can ever be over cautious, even if the 'rules' say you can treat somebody with a specific condition or up to a certain stage in pregnancy, you are there and you are the only one who can access the situation, client, feelings you get - so I would say you did the correct thing if your intuition said don't do it.
I am not 100% sure but if I remember right from my classes we had to be careful and only give light relaxing treatments in the last trimester as not to induce. Actually, one of our fellow students was pregnant and she was practised on just as we were.
But, at the end of the day, I still think you're the best judge as to what to do, how much, how hard, and if you not want to to it at all. Being a good therapist at the end of the day is a lot about having trust in yourself, maybe next time you decide to do a treatment after more questions but then you will do it because you are comfortable that you have made the best decision you could.
Thanks Jo
Many thanks Jo for replying so quickly, I feel so much better and maybe something inside (call it intuition if you like) made me not continue.
Thnks again
Helen
Hi Helen,
I was the same as you before I did my course in Maternity Reflexology and now feel more confident.....but i think you did right thing in trusting your intuition and advising her to see her doctor.
On my course we were shown a technique to help with morning sickness, i have as yet not had chance to put into practice.......
But we were also advised not to treat any pg clients until the 12 wk mark, not because we could do any harm but just because if anything was to happen, the question mark would always be there for both the client and the therapist.......
Jess x
Hi
In this instance I would have asked these questions......
1) did she have any history of miscarriage - you may have already asked these so forgive me if you did.
2) did she have any bleeding at any stage during her pregnancy.
But you are right - go with your instincts.....if in doubt - dont treat.
But on the other hand after the 12 weeks I would have been happy to just do a very gentle relaxing massage........but it also depends on why she wanted reflexology in the first place - was it for morning sickness or for another ailment - or for relaxation - but only you know how you felt and only you know what the experience was like and if the vibe was not right - you did good - trust your own instincts - and pat yourself on the back for having confidence to say no. Well done. Believe in yourself.
Best wishes
TJ x
I'm sorry to change the course of this forum, but I do think you were a little over cautious Tan Woman A course of reflexology for a lady suffering from morning sickness can only be beneficial to her. There is no harm you can do at this stage in a pregnancy (or at any stage to be totally honest.
Did she ever get her reflexology?