Prenatal Massage
Massage during pregnancy offers undeniable physical benefits throughout every prenatal stage. Research has shown that women who receive massage while pregnant may have easier deliveries, a reduced chance of post-partum depression, and regain their bodies more quickly. In most cases, massage is perfectly safe and can help the mother-to-be relieve general body aches, pains, and tension that her body is going through while also feeling pampered at the same time. Karen is one of the few therapists in the area that specializes in this special type of massage and holds over 100 hours of training specifically in prenatal and infant massage modalities to make sure your massage provides you the most benefits.
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Prenatal Massage:
60 minutes - $90
30 minutes - $60
Prenatal Massage Package (2 prenatal, 1 postnatal, $10 off Infant Massage Class - $240
Benefits of Massage During Pregnancy
Each trimester of pregnancy bring its own issues which can be helped with massage. Throughout the whole pregnancy, benefits include:
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Help calm morning sickness
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Reduce fatigue
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Help backaches and leg cramps
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Enhance sleep
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Ease ligament pain
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Relieve aches and pains
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Reduce swelling in hands and feet (edema)
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Reduce headaches
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Stimulate blood flow (may prevent anemia)
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Stimulates lymphatic system (may help prevent/reduce edema)
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Learn relaxation skills
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Release physical and emotional tension
How am I positioned during the massage?
While receiving a pregnancy massage, you are positioned on your side using specially designed bolsters and pillows to allow the therapist access to your back as well as in a semi-reclined position so you can receive work on your belly and anything else that you would normally have massaged if lying flat. The "table with a hole" or "pregnancy pillows" are not used in this practice, as they are not best for your best health and comfort. More is explained about why these tools are not used here. No matter the position, you will always remain properly draped except for the area being massaged.
When should massage be avoided during pregnancy?
Most pregnancies that are progressing normally can receive massage with no problem. However if the pregnancy is high-risk or certain conditions are present, massage may not be advised.
Some of these high risk conditions include:
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Pre-term labor
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Pre-eclampsia or eclampsia
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DVT or blood clots
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Severe edema
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High blood pressure
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Placenta previa
Women with any of these conditions need a doctor's authorization before proceeding with a massage, and even if none of the conditions exist, it is still a good idea to double-check with your doctor first.
Info about spa and pampering treatments
Most massage spa treatments are safe as long as they are modified slightly. Facials, foot masques, and paraffin dips for the hands are generally safe, but Hot Stone treatments or anything that involves surrounding the body with heat is not recommended. Aromatherapy is safe, provided that certain essential oils are not used. A therapist certified in aromatherapy treatments will know how to safely guide the mother-to-be in using oils and spa products that are safe.
What about massage after delivery?
Postnatal Massage during the weeks after delivery helps to restore muscle tone in the abdomen and reposition the pelvis. Plus, it can give a new mom some time to relax and possibly a chance for some much-needed quiet time and sleep. Depending on the conditions during the delivery, some women feel "up to" a massage immediately after delivery, while for others it may be several weeks before they feel like they are comfortable being touched. If delivery was via C-section, you may be advised to wait to get a massage by your doctor. Always check with your doctor first to determine the best time to receive a massage following your delivery. In addition to helping the mother, massage is also very beneficial to the baby as well. Infant Massage can promote bonding; help alleviate colic and fussiness, while contributing to the baby's overall health. Ask us about our Infant Massage instruction available to parents.
