Liz Foster - Birth Doula & Placenta Encapsulator
  • Welcome
  • My Story
    • About Me
    • My Philosophy
    • Testimonials & Photos
    • Q&A
  • Services
    • Birth >
      • Labor Doula
      • Virtual Doula
      • Sibling Doula
    • Denver Placenta Encapsulation
    • Service Upgrades
  • RESOURCES
    • Blog
    • Local Practitioners
    • Local Birthing Centers
    • Recommended Products
    • Recommended Books/Podcasts
  • Connect
  • Welcome
  • My Story
    • About Me
    • My Philosophy
    • Testimonials & Photos
    • Q&A
  • Services
    • Birth >
      • Labor Doula
      • Virtual Doula
      • Sibling Doula
    • Denver Placenta Encapsulation
    • Service Upgrades
  • RESOURCES
    • Blog
    • Local Practitioners
    • Local Birthing Centers
    • Recommended Products
    • Recommended Books/Podcasts
  • Connect

LOVE   IN   MOTION



​BLOG

Foot Massage for Labor

11/8/2017

1 Comment

 
Picture


Throughout pregnancy, women experience many different changes, aches, and discomforts. A most common symptom is tired feet. A lot of pressure is put on the legs and feet as baby gets heavier. Not only does the baby attribute to more weight gain but so does the maternal physiology and metabolism: water, amniotic fluid and blood accretion, uterine and placental growth, and breast and fat mass. This is enough to convince anyone that a woman's feet are substantially underrated and undernourished.

The feet are the foundations of the body. They have reflex points for every organ. Modalities like reflexology can stimulate and balance the body. In the case of pregnancy, the body is going through a lot of changes so a foot massage can be highly beneficial in staying grounded and balanced throughout the process of growing a baby.

Benefits include: Increased blood flow, energy, and rejuvenation, reduced swelling, released tension and an overall happier mama!

The following is a SAFE foot massage that can be used all throughout pregnancy and for labor. It is good practice for the partner to have a supporting role in labor. And for all you single mamas out there, you can do this to yourself sitting in a cross-legged position.

**One caution: there is an acupressure point between the inner *ankle bone and the Achilles tendon, which, when stimulated, may produce labor contractions. This should only be stimulated when a pregnant woman is in labor.**

You may use essential oils with a carrier oil like coconut oil if that is preferred. Be sure to mix the oils together on your hands before massaging the foot. Safe essential oils for pregnant women are: Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Peppermint, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood, Ginger, Geranium, and Bergamot.

Foot Massage for Labor

First, position the foot so that it is supported for the woman's relaxation and for you to work comfortably. 

1) Using the palm of both hands, use firm strokes to massage from the toes to the feet, all the way up to the calf, and lighter strokes to massage back down the calf to the feet and toes. Repeat at least 3x up and down.

2) Gently squeeze (not twist) the entire foot with both hands like you're squeezing water out of a sponge at least 5x. Count to 5 between each squeeze for blood flow to return. Just like a sponge when you squeeze out the water, you wait for the water to soak back into the sponge.

3) With your fingers on top of the foot, use your thumb to press into the spot just under the ball of the foot. Hold for about 10 seconds and let it go. Repeat this about 5x in the same way as the sponge technique.

4) Use your thumbs to make small circles on the bottom of the foot.

5) Use your knuckles to massage the instep/arch of the foot.

6) Use your fingertips to make small circles around the ankle bone* and top of the foot.

7) Use your fingertips or thumbs to stroke from the top of the ankle down between each toe.

8) Gently pull or wiggle each toe.

9) Use your thumb and side of your index finger to press down gently on the top of each toe and release, like you would when you click open a retractable pen.

10) Squeeze the top of the foot with both hands at least 3x.

11) Squeeze the bottom of the foot with both hands at least 3x.

12) Make a Hand-Foot sandwich: With your fingers pointing towards the ankle, use both hands to firmly "sandwich" the foot. Hold firmly to a count of five, then lighten the pressure and pull hands away slowly. Repeat at least 3x.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Ladies and Gents, let me know your thoughts and how I can help!

Did you try it?

Ladies, did you love it?

Partners, was your mama happy with your foot work? What can you do to make it more enjoyable?
1 Comment

    Author's Philosophy


    I am a doula. I love labor, I love birth! But most of all, I love witnessing the beautiful transformation of women becoming mothers. My job is to facilitate that transition easily and with JOY!!

    ​My greatest goal is to ensure that you and your family feel safe and secure with me by your side, ushering you into a brand new heroic journey that is motherhood. It is my highest honor to serve women in one of the most splendid moments of their lives!

    Archives

    November 2022
    October 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    December 2021
    October 2021
    February 2021
    October 2020
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    September 2017

    Categories

    All
    3 R's
    Birth
    Childbirth
    Delivery
    Doula
    Labor
    Mama Oasis
    Mindfulness
    Music
    Partner
    Postpartum
    Pregnancy
    Relaxation
    Rhythm
    Single Parenting
    Tools

    RSS Feed

Serving the
​Denver Metro Area
& Virtually

Browse Testimonials
HERE

What Clients Are Saying

LOVE IN MOTION LLC
Liz Foster CD(DONA), HCHD

Let's Connect

love in motion llc logo birth postpartum doula, childbirth educator, birth life coach
‪720-593-0014‬
Need some help? Let's chat...
SCHEDULE A CALL
Photo used under Creative Commons from Mathieu Carbou