FAQ’s

PREGNANCY REFLEXOLOGY

What is Reflexology?
The theory behind reflexology is that all the organs and glands within the body are mapped out on the feet and other areas of the body, by manipulating these points on the feet through applying varying pressure it can allow the body to return to a state of balance and wellbeing.

Benefits of Pregnancy Reflexology?
Some of the benefits of Reflexology:
During Pregnancy: Relaxation, stress & anxiety, alleviate swollen ankles, headaches, back pain, constipation, heartburn, insomnia and pubic pain. Stabilises blood pressure and blood sugars. Boost energy levels and shorten labour.
Post Natal: Lift mood, improve lactation and sleep.
Pre-Pregnancy: Regularise cycles to promote fertility.

Who does the Pregnancy Reflexology treatments?

Adele Sarah Carby is the Gentle Birth Method Specialist Reflexologist. She is a fully qualified, experienced reflexologist. https://www.gentlebirthmethod.com/practitioners/adele-sarah-carby-gbm-specialist-pregnancy-reflexologist

When can I start having Pregnancy Reflexology sessions?
During Pregnancy: After the first trimester.
Post Natal: It is good to have reflexology even from day one after labour as it promotes lactation and is also good for energy restoration (In the event of a C-section-reflexology sessions can be booked from after 6 weeks).
Pre-Pregnancy: As soon as possible.

Where do treatments take place in the Whittington Hospital?
The Whittington Hospital, Magdala Ave, London, N19 5NF.
Kenwood Ward, 5th Floor.
(Directions if coming into the hospital from the Main Entrance: Take the lift to the 3rd floor, turn left out of the lift and left again walking along the long corridor to the next set of lifts on the left hand side of the corridor. Take the lift to the 5th floor, turn right when exiting and the Kenwood ward is the next ward on your left).

How often can I have sessions?
We recommend having weekly sessions (currently treatments are available on Tuesdays and Fridays at the Whittington).

How long are sessions?
The treatment itself is about 45 minutes, the first session can take up to an hour, as a consultation form will need to be filled in before starting (basic information is collected on health and wellbeing and contact details). Allow for an hour when coming for an appointment as the therapist will speak with you both before and after sessions.

What days can I have treatments?
Currently Gentle Birth Foundation treatments are available on Tuesdays and Fridays at Whittington.

Can I get pregnancy reflexology elsewhere? 

Adele, the GBM Specialist Reflexologist is also available to give treatments at the Kailash Centre (NW8) on Monday’s. The 50 minute treatments there cost £70

Can I have pregnancy reflexology if I am doing IVF?
Yes, you can have reflexology to continue to help balance the body throughout IVF, up until embryo transfer.

Can I have reflexology during birth?
Reflexology during early stages of labour is great to stimulate contractions and in the third stage helps to expel the placenta.

What do I need to wear?
If wearing trousers or leggings ensure they can easily be rolled up the calf to the knee.

Can I have pregnancy reflexology even if I am having a C-Section?
Yes, reflexology treatments are great to help with pregnancy related issues (see above benefits of reflexology). Post natal treatments can be given 6 weeks after C-section, this is so the body can have some time to recover.

How much does a session cost?
Pregnancy Reflexology sessions normally cost £70. If you are an NHS patient the Gentle Birth Foundation charges £35 for treatments at Whittington.

How do I book?
You can book a session by going to the bookings page on this website http://www.gbmfoundationclinic.com.

GBM PREGNANCY MASSAGE (CREATIVE HEALING)

What is GBM Pregnancy Massage (Creative Healing)?
GBM Pregnancy Massage is another term for ‘Creative Healing’. Creative Healing is a gentle, hands-on technique that aims to restore the function to a particular part of the body or organ, by re-aligning the flows of energy to that part of the body.

Benefits of Creative Healing Treatments?
Creative Healing treatments are simple, elegant and effective at restoring normal function to the tissues and organs of the body.

Where do treatments take place?

Kailash Centre – 7 Newcourt St, London NW8 7AA 

Who does the treatments?

Appointments with Junior GBM Practitioners, who have been trained personally by Gowri and are now getting more experience. Gowri has an overview of treatments and the practitioners will get advice from Gowri when needed. However, please book your FIRST GBM Pregnancy Massage appointment with Gowri or one of the Senior Practitioners in order to have an initial consultation. (Please request this initial appointment at: gowrimotha@gentlebirthmethod.com)  These support sessions can be used for regular follow-up treatments.

Why are these treatments called ‘Support follow-up sessions’? 

These sessions are being offered at lower-cost in order to support pregnant mothers to have regular creative healing treatments through their pregnancy. Please book your FIRST GBM Pregnancy Massage appointment with Gowri or one of the Senior Practitioners in order to have an initial consultation. (Please request this initial appointment at: gowrimotha@gentlebirthmethod.com)  These support sessions can be used for regular follow-up treatments.

How often can have sessions?
We recommend having weekly sessions (currently treatments are available Mondays and Thursdays between 10am and 2pm)

How long are sessions?
Treatments are between 45 minutes and 1 hour. Treatments are tailored to the needs of the person being treated.

What days can I have treatments?
Currently treatments are available Mondays and Thursdays between 10am and 2pm

What to wear?
Comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting a little oily (We use a lot of olive oil on the skin).

How much does a session cost?
Sessions are £70

How do I book?
You can book a session by going to the bookings page on this website http://www.gbmfoundationclinic.com.

GBM HYPNOBIRTH ‘THE GOWRI WAY’ 

What is GBM Hypnobirth ‘The Gowri Way’?
Self-Hypnosis teaches you to mentally switch off from your immediate surroundings and enter a dream world that is safe and calm. You are awake, but not really aware of what is happening around you – it feels like day-dreaming. While you are relaxed, suggestions are given to your mind, to subconsciously prepare you for a confident birth. Visualisation will teach you to mentally “see” and affect structures within your body e.g. your muscles, your cervix, your hormones. You will also be taught how to communicate with your baby with your womb.

When can I start the course?
The course can be started from week 20 of pregnancy.

Are the GBM Hypnobirth ‘The Gowri Way’ classes for couples?
Yes, the first 4 classes are for couples and then the pregnant mothers alone does the Yoga & Visualisation sessions until birth.

What to wear to the GBM Hypnobirth ‘The Gowri Way’ classes?
Wear comfortable clothing.

What days and times are the GBM Hypnobirth ‘The Gowri Way’ classes?
The classes currently take place on Tuesday evenings at 6pm (UK time). They start on the first Tuesday of each month. The Yoga and ‘top-up GBM Hypnobirth ‘The Gowri Way’ classes are on a Wednesday at 6pm.

How often do I attend the classes?
You would attend one class a week for 4 weeks. The Yoga and ‘top-up GBM Hypnobirth ‘The Gowri Way’ classes are every week until birth.

Benefits of Visualisation?
The aim of  GBM Hypnobirth ‘The Gowri Way’ is to increase confidence, deepen bonding between mother, father and baby and remove fear of the birth process.

What to bring to the GBM Hypnobirth ‘The Gowri Way’ class?
For your comfort – please bring a yoga mat, 2 small pillows and a small blanket (just in case you feel cold during the class). Please bring a yoga mat for your partners/husbands as well.

Where classes take place?
Classes are held live via online zoom.

What happens during the class?
Please see the link for details of the class: http://www.gentlebirthmethod.com/courses-2/self-hypnosis-courses-for-mothers/

Can I do the course even if I am having a C-Section?
Yes, as the programme helps mothers recover quickly after the birth and also in some cases the visualisation makes mothers feel as if they have had a normal birth.

How much does the course cost?
There is a one off registration donation of £350 that includes both the couple’s visualisation classes and the yoga classes for pregnant mothers.

How do I book?
You can book a session by going to the bookings page on this website http://www.gbmfoundationclinic.com.

Is there another cost for the Yoga classes?
No, the one off registration donation of £350 is for both the couple’s visualisation classes and the Yoga classes for pregnant mothers till birth. The cost also includes an MP3 download for mother’s to listen to at home.

Question – What’s included?:

‘I was under the impression that the course included reflexology and physical treatment (back and neck massage) and stretching too?

Is this correct? If so when do I attend for these?’

Answer:

The course that you have paid for offers the 4 week self hypnosis and visualisation programme for both partners and weekly yoga on Wednesdays from booking to birth. You can start yoga straight away from this week.

The other elements of the Gentle Birth Method are one to one Pregnancy Reflexology treatments that can be booked separately under the reflexology option in the drop down boxes.

These are offered at £35 per hour ( normally £60 – £90 in the private sector)

The vaginal stretch can be viewed online on the section labelled videos at this location       http://www.gentlebirthmethod.com/videos/

I hope that this makes it a bit clearer.

Question:

Hello,

Do you offer just pregnancy yoga classes or can these only be done as part of the self hypnosis and visualisation course?

Many thanks,

Jen

Answer:

Dear Jen,

You can take just the yoga classes. If you wish. We have not included an option just yet for the yoga on its own as we wish to encourage pregnant mothers to sign up for the whole programme as visualisation helps to reduce anxiety and reduce serum cortisol levels and this promotes better oxytocin release during the birth process.

The donation for yoga all the way through your pregnancy along with 4 classes of GBM Hypnobirth ‘The Gowri Way’ are offered at a donation of £350

If you wish to join you can look at our bookings page.

www.GbmFoundationClinic.com

You may have of course signed up for hypnobirthing classes elsewhere, in which case please let us know and we will be delighted to invite you to join our yoga classes.

Kind Regards

Dr. Gowri Motha