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What is Prenatal Massage?
Benefits of Prenatal Massage
Is Prenatal Massage for you?
More Prenatal Massage Questions?
Massage during pregnancy is therapeutic bodywork which focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as her body goes through the dramatic changes of the childbirth experience.
Massage therapy enhances the function of muscles and joints, improves circulation and general body tone, and relieves mental and physical fatigue.
In addition to the fact that massage during pregnancy just plain feels good, there are many other benefits for the mom-to-be and also her baby. A study conducted by Dr. Tiffany Field at the University of Miami School of Medicine showed that massage actually reduces stress hormones in the body. Touch is vital to the mother's physical and emotional well-being as she adapts to her new body image. Regardless of individual circumstances, a pregnant woman's body is challenged, changed, and stressed in many ways. Massage gives special attention to the mother-to-be, which in turn nurtures the new life that grows within her.
Other benefits include:
- emotional support and nurturing touch
- relaxation and decreased insomnia
- stress relief on weight-bearing joints, such as ankles, lower back and pelvis
- relief from neck and back pain caused by muscle imbalance and weakness
- assistance in maintaining proper posture
- preparing muscles used during childbirth
- reduced swelling in hands and feet
- lessened sciatic pain
- fewer calf cramps
- headache and sinus congestion relief
Massage during pregnancy is usually safe for most mothers. As a massage therapist certified in pregnancy massage, I will want to know if you are having any problems or complications with your pregnancy before we begin. If you are, then I will require approval from your primary health care provider before proceeding with any bodywork.
More Prenatal Massage questions?
How early in my pregnancy should I begin massage?
Because of the tremendous physical and hormonal changes that occur in
the expectant mother during the first trimester, it is my practice to
do no massage on a pregnant woman before the second trimester.
May I lie on my stomach?
I believe that the safest positions for prenatal massage are side-lying
rather than prone, and, after 22 weeks, semi-reclining rather than supine.
Between 13 and 22 weeks, with the mother-to-be in the supine position,
I use a wedge pillow under the right side of the torso. This is done to
avoid having the weight of the uterus rest against the inferior vena cava,
the major vessel of blood return to the heart.
How often should I have a massage?
The best answer I know is that you should have a massage as often as it
works out for you. The frequency of massage for my clients varies from
person to person. Some every week. Some every two weeks. Some once a month.
I have financial packages which vary depending on the frequency that you
choose. Interestingly, one client told me that when she set up a once
a week schedule, she thought that would really be more often than she
wanted. But now, eight weeks before her due date, she looks forward to
the massage and is wondering how she will get along without them after
she finishes her series of post-partum massages.
What do I wear during a prenatal massage?
Just as in typical massage, that depends on your level of comfort. If
you are uncomfortable about not being fully clothed for massage, it may
not be as effective. However, you have that choice. You are covered with
a sheet at all times with only the area being massaged exposed. I am professionally
here for your comfort and needs.
Will I be comfortable having a male massage therapist
for prenatal massage?
Again, that is a personal decision for you. Perhaps a male therapist is
not a pregnant woman's first choice. However, most of my practice is female
and they seem to be just fine having a male massage therapist. If this
is a concern for you, I will be happy to recommend a female massage therapist
in whom I have confidence.
Where can I find more information?
I will be happy to answer any questions that I can. Some good website references are listed below.
The
Art of Prenatal Massage - by Kelly Lott, with whom I studied.
For therapists seeking information about training for pregnancy massage, I would recommend looking at Kelly Lott's website.