Frequently Asked Questions
Massages
When can I have a pregnancy massage?
Pregnancy massage at Birth Boutique is offered from 12 weeks onwards. Massage can always be adapted to suit you and your pregnancy on the day.
How late can I book a massage?
Massages can be booked up to and even beyond the due date. Should you go into labour within 24 hours of your appointment we can transfer your treatment to a postnatal massage.
What if I have pregnancy complications or concerns?
Your appointment always begins with a consultation, and care is guided by how you are feeling and how your pregnancy is progressing. Massage can always be adapted, and there will always be a safe, supportive way to offer hands-on care.
Are essential oils used?
Essential oils are used only when appropriate and following consultation. If suitable, you’ll be invited to choose from a small selection, which are blended specifically for you. If oils aren’t appropriate, your massage will still be nurturing and effective using unscented products.
What should I wear?
Clients generally undress to their underwear and remove bras for massage, but only if they are happy and comfortable to do so. You will always be covered appropriately throughout the treatment, and adjustments can be made at any time to help you feel at ease.
What position will I be in during the massage?
Positioning is always adapted to suit you and your pregnancy. Depending on the length of your treatment, massage may begin lying comfortably on your back with the couch raised and full support, before moving into side-lying positions for the hips and back.
Can I talk during the massage?
Yes — whatever feels right for you. You’re welcome to talk, rest quietly, or change your mind at any point during the treatment.
How might I feel afterwards?
Many people feel relaxed, lighter, or more settled after massage. Sometimes you may feel tired or notice subtle changes as your body responds. At the end of your appointment, we’ll briefly talk through what to expect afterwards and offer you refreshing water before you leave.
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Acupuncture
What is pregnancy acupuncture used for at Birth Boutique?
Pregnancy acupuncture at Birth Boutique is offered to support a small number of specific pregnancy concerns where it may be appropriate. These include pregnancy nausea, back pain and sciatica, support when hoping to avoid induction of labour, and moxibustion guidance for breech presentation.
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Is pregnancy acupuncture safe?
Yes, pregnancy acupuncture can be safe when provided by a trained practitioner and guided by appropriate assessment. At Birth Boutique, acupuncture is always consultation-led and adapted to your pregnancy and individual circumstances.
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Do I need a consultation before acupuncture?
Yes. All acupuncture appointments include a consultation, and a consultation form is completed at the time of booking and reviewed in advance. This helps ensure acupuncture is appropriate and safe for you before treatment goes ahead.
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Is acupuncture painful?
Acupuncture is generally well tolerated. You may feel a brief sensation when the needle is placed, such as warmth, heaviness, or a mild tingling, but this is usually short-lived. Treatment is always guided by your comfort, and adjustments are made at any point if something doesn’t feel right.
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What if acupuncture isn’t appropriate for me?
If acupuncture isn’t suitable for your situation at that time, we’ll talk this through with you openly and discuss alternative supportive options where possible.
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What is moxibustion, and how is it used for breech presentation?
Moxibustion is a traditional technique sometimes used to support babies who are in a breech position. At Birth Boutique, moxibustion appointments focus on assessment, discussion and teaching. You’ll be shown how to carry out moxibustion safely at home, alongside guidance on positioning and movement.
Moxibustion is not performed during the appointment.
When can I book moxibustion for breech presentation?
Moxibustion for breech presentation is usually offered between 32 and 37 weeks of pregnancy, depending on individual circumstances.
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Is moxibustion a clinic appointment or a home visit?
Moxibustion for breech presentation is offered as a home visit. The appointment also includes an antenatal check and time to discuss options if your baby remains breech at 37 weeks.
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Can acupuncture guarantee results?
No. Acupuncture and moxibustion are offered as supportive care and cannot guarantee specific outcomes. Treatment is guided by clinical judgement and what is appropriate for you at the time.​
Reflexology
When can I have reflexology?
Pregnancy and postnatal reflexology at Birth Boutique can be offered during pregnancy and after birth. Care is guided by consultation and midwife-led assessment rather than fixed rules, and is always adapted to how you’re feeling on the day.
Is reflexology safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Reflexology can be safely offered during pregnancy when provided by a trained practitioner and guided by appropriate assessment. Reflexology for relaxation can always be offered; whether it’s appropriate to support a specific concern is considered carefully following consultation.
What’s the difference between relaxation reflexology and treatment-focused reflexology?
Relaxation reflexology is focused on calm, grounding and overall wellbeing. Treatment-focused reflexology is sometimes used to support specific pregnancy concerns where appropriate. Whether treatment-focused reflexology is suitable depends on individual circumstances and is reviewed following completion of a consultation form.
Why does treatment-focused reflexology need approval?
Some pregnancy concerns require additional consideration. Reviewing the consultation form allows us to ensure reflexology is appropriate and safe for you at that time. If it isn’t suitable, we’ll contact you to talk this through and reflexology can still be offered for relaxation.
Can reflexology help me avoid induction of labour?
Some people seek reflexology as supportive care when hoping to avoid induction of labour. Reflexology may be appropriate in certain circumstances, but this cannot be guaranteed and is not always suitable. Treatment-focused reflexology bookings are reviewed individually following consultation.
Can I have reflexology after a caesarean birth?
Yes. Postnatal reflexology can be suitable following a caesarean birth and is adapted carefully to support comfort and recovery.
What should I wear?
Reflexology focuses on the feet and lower legs. You’ll remain fully clothed, with only shoes and socks removed.
How might I feel afterwards?
Many people feel relaxed, grounded or more settled after reflexology. Occasionally you may feel tired or notice subtle changes as your body responds. We’ll briefly talk through what to expect afterwards and offer refreshing water before you leave.
Private Midwifery Appointments
How do I know which appointment is right for me?
If you’re unsure which option would suit you best, you’re very welcome to get in touch before booking and I’ll be happy to help guide you.
Do I need to prepare anything before my appointment?
No preparation is needed. Appointments are shaped around what feels most helpful for you at the time. If there’s anything specific you’d like to discuss, you’re welcome to make a note beforehand.
How far do you travel for at-home appointments?
At-home appointments are available within a local travel radius. If you’re unsure whether I cover your area, you’re very welcome to get in touch before booking and I’ll be happy to confirm.
Can appointments be used during pregnancy or postnatally?
Yes - appointments are suitable both during pregnancy and in the early postnatal period, depending on your individual needs.
What if I need further support afterwards?
Additional appointments can be booked as needed. Where appropriate, further resources or next steps may also be suggested.