It is controlled by 4 main hormones,
Estrogen & Progesterone which are produced by the Ovaries, and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) & Luteinizing Hormone (LH) which are produced by the Pituitary gland.

Follicular Phase:
The first stage of the cycle, which includes the period bleed in the first week. This phase lasts from day 1 of your period until you ovulate (release an egg from ovary)!
The hormones Estrogen & FSH are released during this phase which causes the uterus lining to thicken, and prepares the ovaries for releasing an egg. This follicular phase is ultimately preparing the body for pregnancy.

Ovulation:
This is when the ovary releases an egg. It is typically 14 days after your period begins if you have a 28 day cycle, but can vary depending on the length of your own cycle!
It is around this time that you can become pregnant. Your body will release a surge of LH, FSH & Estrogen just prior to this!

Luteal Phase:
The time between ovulation and the beginning of your next period – approx 14 days, no matter what the length of your cycle!
A little mass of cells called the Corpus Luteum is formed in the ovary just after ovulation and it starts to produce Progesterone predominantly.
One of two things can happen here:

1. Fertilisation occurs (pregnancy).
2. Fertilisation does not occur and the Corpus Luteum breaks down, levels of Progesterone & Estrogen will decrease which will lead to the onset of your next period bleed.

I hope this helps you to understand your cycle a little better!

The post Your Menstrual Cycle appeared first on Enhance Wellness.

It’s very easy to think that children don’t suffer from aches or pains, and that adults are the only ones that need to be physically pampered from time to time. 

However, any parent who’s had to cope with the worry of watching their children teething, fighting off infections (very common in the under-developed immune systems of children), suffering ear/eye problems, insomnia, digestive issues or confidence problems are very aware of the fact that children do need to be pampered too!

Every parent wants to see their children and babies happy and healthy, and reflexology is undoubtedly one of the best natural alternative medicine to achieve this. It involves gentle pressure applied on the feet to help stimulate the proper functioning of organs and body systems, as well as strengthening the immune system against all types of diseases. For parents, it’s a very rewarding way to help children in their early years and it may be applied without any problems. It is simple, nurturing and safe.

10 Benefits

• It’s a very effective way for parents to help their children to be healthy. It promotes an emotional bond between parents and children and is easy to learn if the parent is interested in being the one who performs the massage.

• Helps balance the organs, body systems and emotional energy.

• Stimulates blood circulation, helping to deliver fresh oxygen and nutrients to all body cells.

• Stimulates the functioning of the endocrine glands, which produce hormones, etc.

• Balances the body’s vital energy to help combat muscle and back pain, and can help reduce headaches, migraine, eye problems, and issues such as glue ear.

• Supports the body’s defences against respiratory problems such as colds, coughs, sore throats and tonsillitis.

• It helps to relax children when they are upset or crying. It helps them sleep, combats insomnia, which in turn improves concentration on school days.

• Reflexology helps to regulate the digestive system. One of the problems that can occur in the first few months of life is colic, which is due to the development of the immature digestive system. Reflexology can help regulate and reduce the symptoms of colic and can also combat diarrhoea or constipation – it helps to tone the intestines and encourage their smooth operation.

• It helps to strengthen and balance the immune system. This is very important as it can help the child to fight the germs and foreign bodies that fill their environment. A strong immune system can prevent infection and allergies for the rest of our lives. 

• It encourages the self-healing capacity of the body. Unlike conventional medicines, which often focus on treating symptoms rather than addressing the causes of ailments, Reflexology balances and encourages self-healing, making children strong and resistant to infections and diseases of all kinds.

Children grow up healthier and less dependent on doctors and medicines, and will have a growing confidence that their body has an amazing ability to heal and repair itself, with only a little help from us, such as Reflexology, preparing them for lives less dependent on drugs.

Is it safe?

Reflexology is absolutely safe! It even provides beneficial effects, such as relaxation, wellbeing and emotional regulation. The healing power of touch is something that children need to balance their energy system, providing them with confidence and security.

I regularly run baby & child reflexology classes online. This gives parents & primary care givers an excellent opportunity to learn & apply reflexology techniques to their babies & children – and reap the benefits listed above!

Neasa

The post Reflexology for babies & children. appeared first on Enhance Wellness.

Along with batch cooking & constant cleaning, here’s what I had been doing in preparation for labour & birth:

?Pelvic floor exercises.. Something all of us women can do throughout our lives to keep our pelvic floor strong and hold our organs in place!

?Reflexology.. I was at a slight advantage, I know! Because of lock down, I had to work on myself throughout my pregnancy, something you can do for yourself too. Reflexology gives countless benefits to you & your baby’s wellbeing! Book yourself in for some treatments if you can, you won’t regret it, or contact me & I’ll happily send you on some reflex points to help alleviate your symptoms!

?Birthing ball.. I was constantly bouncing and moving around on this, from about week 32 onward. It’s to help the baby get into position for birth.

?Raspberry leaf tea.. This apparently helps to tone the uterus – worth a go drinking 2 cups a day from week 34, and it tastes lovely too if you ask me!

?Resting & Napping.. absolutely guilt free!!

(One of the advantages of being off work is napping when ever you feel like!)

?Walking.. I tried to get out for a walk everyday, my energy levels dipped a bit towards the end, so a short walk was plenty for me some days. It’s important to stay fit for labour! When I’d get home from my walk, I’d usually have a nap/rest!

?Hypnobirthing.. I’d been listening to the GentleBirth app a lot, where there are meditations, affirmations & hypnosis to listen to in preparation for labour. I have been listening to it postpartum too! It’s just great for getting you into the best headspace & we all know how important mindset is!

?Stretching.. & a little Yoga and Pilates. I wasn’t very consistent with the latter two, but I listened to my body and took to the mat when I felt like it.

?Bathing.. I love having baths. They help me to relax, wind down & soothe aching muscles. Add Epsom Salts and bubbles… blissful.

?Essential oils.. all depending on how I feel, they’re excellent for emotional support. I always diffuse oils to uplift my mood or to help me to relax & feel grounded. Check out previous posts on what dōTERRA essential oils can help relieve symptoms of pregnancy.

?Perineal massage.. recommended from week 34ish to help reduce your chances of tearing during childbirth.

?Massaging my bump.. I’d been using mainly oils or oil based products on my tummy after my shower each day to help keep the skin supple and ultimately keep stretch marks to a minimum. The baby loves this little massage too, it’s a fab way to connect!

Let me know of any other suggestions/recommendations that you have tried & tested – I’d love to hear about them!!

Don’t forget to share with your pregnant friends!!

info@enhancewellness.ie

Neasa x

The post Pregnancy: Preparation for labour & birth appeared first on Enhance Wellness.