Prenatal/ Pregnancy Massage

What are the Benefits of Pregnancy Massage?

can shorten labor time
eases emotional stress and anxiety
reduces swelling and fluid retention
helps ease musculoskeletal pain and strain
better circulation, reducing anemia by delivering nutrients to cells
stimulates the lymphatic system, increasing immunity and removing toxins
stabilizes hormone levels
eases constipation, gas and heartburn
slows the progress of varicose veins
reduces sleeplessness and fatigue
relieves headaches and morning sickness

What Should I Expect in a Pregnancy Massage?

Pregnancy massage is specifically designed for each trimester. Therapists have training in anatomy, physiology, complications, precautions and contraindications. The room is slightly cool with good air flow. Bolsters and pillows are used. You will be properly draped with a sheet. You may interrupt the massage to use the restroom if needed. Feel free to ask any questions about massage. You may request different pressure or state any areas you do not want massaged.

Later in pregnancy, side-lying or reclined positions may be more comfortable than lying flat on the back or stomach. Your therapist may help you find ways to be more comfortable at home by discovering ways to use pillows, give feedback on posture or recommend stretches or breathing techniques.

Cautions

Give your therapist as much information as you can. A pregnant women should avoid massage is when experiencing morning sickness, nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and excessive swelling in arms or legs.   Mothers having diabetes, cardiac disorders, hypertension, previous miscarriages or multiple births, asthma need a physicians referral. Abdominal massage is not recommended during pregnancy.

Labor & Postpartum Massage

Massage is part of the birthing process throughout the world. Massage can promote a speedier birth by lowering stress that inhibits labor-inducing hormones. Massage helps you relax between contractions and provides emotional support and encouragement.

Massage helps rebalance posture & eases “postpartum blues”. After a C-section, massage can help healing of scars. Massage helps restore abdominal muscle tone. Pregnancy weight, hormones and stress is still there, but massage can help you cope during this time of change.

Infant Massage

Massage given by caretakers can be a playful, healthy, bonding experience. It provides tactile stimulation and movement essential for growth and development. Massage also helps bonding with parents, relaxation, digestion, elimination, improved sleep, eases growing pains and calms colicky babies. Touching the baby promotes milk production in the mother. Infant massage is simple, gentle with eye contact, talking or singing. Massage therapists can show mothers massage techniques to use with their babies.

- The Oxytocin Factor by Kerstin Uvnas Moberg
- Motherhood Massage by Elaine Stilleman
- Healing Massage Techniques by Tappan and Benjamin