Reiki & Pregnancy
Reiki is incredible for connecting with your baby and for helping with all of the symptoms of pregnancy. I asked a wonderful client of mine to keep a diary of her experiences as she goes through her pregnancy with Reiki. We did Reiki every 2-3 weeks throughout her pregnancy.
I find it a deep priviledge to do Reiki on a pregant woman. Its amazing to see how an unborn child responds to it and how they are so calm and happy once born. Each mother has attributed this to regular Reiki sessions. Not only does Reiki calm Mum, it also calms the baby.
Here is Cathy's story:
Session 1 at 24 weeks
Reiki had been recommended to me by a practioner I met in the early stages of my pregnancy, she had treated her sister throughout her pregnancy and she spoke about the great benefits which prompted me to try it out. I had done it some years ago so knew what to expect. The thing I really liked about Reiki is that it is non-invasive and very gentle and relaxing.
Ellie is someone who in a very relaxed, caring and unintrusive way can talk to you about your concerns, worries and help you tap into the areas you would like to address with the treatment.She can clarify any questions you have about the treatment and explain the sensations you might experience if you are new to it. These sensations can be quite profound and not what you might expect. The important thing is to be open to the experience, it is about discovery and allowing yourself become more self-aware.
On my first visit I experienced tingling sensations in the hands, a heaviness in my head, tightening of my throat and when Ellie was touching my feet I felt an almost floating sensation which was amazing. After the session Ellie spoke to me about what she was picking up. The beauty of reiki is that it unveils some of the hidden tensions that you may not be even aware of. By making you aware of them and recognising their presence in your life, you can then deal with them.
During the session I could feel the baby kicking furiously and Ellie explained how babies respond very well to reiki. For me her comments about the baby were just lovely to hear.
It was really in the days after my first session that I felt the benefits. I felt a real connection with the baby for the very first time. Feeling that bond was a really special and unique feeling.
The session also made me realise that I needed to slow down and take time out. Sometimes we are our own worst enemies and that was certainly the case for me, taking on too much. In the days after the session I definitely felt more at ease and calmer in myself.
The one thing I also found some days after my first session was a surge of emotion. This helped me to acknowledge some of the tensions and worries I had bubbling under the surface. For the first time I talked about them and was able to actually deal with them.
Session 2 at 26 weeks
At my next session I spoke to Ellie about some pain I was experiencing in my lower back. This had been bothering me for some weeks and seemed to affect me most when I was walking or moving around. She was able to pinpoint the problem as being due to a likely tilt in my pelvis and when we spoke about it, I could immediately see how my posture and the way I sit at my work desk were possible effects. Awareness of this was great and has made me conscious to check this each day and do some stretching exercises, all of which has really helped. Again the baby seemed to thoroughly enjoy the session, with kicks and swirls. Having this immensely relaxing experience and feeling the presence of your baby is really fabulous. It’s hard to find time for that during our busy days. Reiki lets you stop, have space and connect, it brings you back to ground and reminds you about the important things.
Session 3 at 28 weeks
I had been back to my old tricks of dashing about and thinking I was wonder-woman and this session really again reminded me to slow down and stop. Ellie did a lot of work around my abdomen and the sensations I felt were incredibly strong. It was as if a line was actually being drawn around my belly, a reminder that this is where it is all happening and not to forget that. It was clear to me that I needed to protect myself and in so doing protect this little person growing inside me. This hit me straight on I have to say and left me leaving with food for thought. Ellie’s gentle way in helping you talk pre- and post-treatment works really well and helps you digest what the treatment may reveal and assert how you are going to deal with that.
Again in the days after my session I felt a great sense of peace and calm.
Session 4 at 30 weeks.
At my fourth session before the treatment and in conversation with Ellie I felt a great sense of self-awareness. I felt confident and determined to take things a little slower and was able to articulate this to Ellie. It was great to feel in control. I explained to Ellie how I now find myself saying "no" and realising my limitations. I firmly believe that Reiki has helped me tremendously to make these changes and experience this awareness. This discovery has made me feel more at ease and experience a real sense of peace. Because Reiki helps you reveal yourself, it empowers you to make positive changes which is a really wonderful feeling.
In taking better care of myself, I have also become acutely aware of how I need to nurture my baby and create a better, more peaceful sanctuary for them during the pregnancy.
Ellie did some work around my chest and heart area. I was aware of a lot of tightness and could sense my body reacting to the treatment strongly. Afterwards Ellie explained how she was working to unblock tensions in that area where we hold a lot of past emotion. I could identify with this immediately and again having an awareness of this made me want to let go and acknowledge those tensions. In some respects in the days afterwards I felt as if a weight was being lifted. While I did not necessarily want to dig up past emotions, having awareness and understanding how they might be having an impact on me was very powerful.
As my pregnancy progresses and with each session I feel more grounded and sense a stronger bond developing with the baby.
Session 5 at 43 weeks
As my pregnancy progresses I am more in tune with my emotions, more determined to break old habits and ultimately have a greater self- awareness. Pregnancy is such a unique and special time in your life, with ups and downs, excitement and fear. At my last session with Ellie I explained how I was again experiencing some lower back pain which was really slowing me down and making me feel rather frustrated. She did some gentle work on the area and I acknowledged that I probably was not resting as much as I should and giving my back a chance to heal. For the first time we talked about my fears about becoming a mum. Not something I had really given myself time to reflect on, I was busy just getting on with it. Ellie suggested that tensions (like the back pain) in my body possibly reflected my own subconscious anxieties about the future and about becoming a mum. I knew she was right, keeping myself busy was my way of distracting myself from these fears.
Again I was ready to face these fears and try to deal with them. As a first time Mum I worry about the change the baby is going to bring to our lives and that I'll be able to cope and do a good job. Ellie suggested that I write my thoughts down and this has been very helpful, it clears my mind when it starts to race or when I feel anxious, that way I can decide what I can or need to do to ease those fears. As time goes by and my due date approaches all the faster I am now conscious to try to manage my anxieties and give myself and the baby every good chance to prepare ourselves in the best possible way for the journey ahead. Ellie's encouragement is a constant comfort, offering strength and a lovely sense of nurturing.
Session 6 at 46 weeks
With the weeks flying by at this stage of the pregnancy, my feelings are more of anticipation and excitement than anxiety. I wanted to address the mounting anxiety and fears head-on and this was helped by attending my antenatal classes, contacting support groups locally and seeking advice from my Mum and friends. I attended the classes at my hospital and it was lovely to meet other mums to be, realising that we are all in the same boat. I was keen to tap into the support groups as they have coffee mornings and regular gatherings which can be great after the baby comes but most invited me to come along also before the baby comes. It was comforting to know that there is so much help out there. I am also very fortunate to have my own mum who has been a terrific support, offering practical and simple advice. During the pregnancy I have felt a real strengthening of the bond between us.
Reiki I feel has given me the focus of mind to enjoy the final leg of this very special time. It has helped me address my fears and reminds me to nurture myself and my relationships, as we prepare for the new arrival. Dare I say it but I do feel ready. I am looking forward to some rest and enjoying quality time with my loved ones once I finish work and before D-day. Ellie, I want to thank you for your kindness and support over the past few months. I have enjoyed every session and your gentle guidance was fantastic, always making me think and helping find a positive way forward. Thanks for being part of our journey.
Congratulations to Cathy who gave birth to baby Ava in November. I'm looking forward to meeting her!
Ellen
