Prenatal massage therapy is a great tool for “stress reduction”. A soothing massage can relieve physical and emotional tension brought on by the many changes in your body as it adapts to the new life growing within. You will learn self-care techniques that help with posture and relieve lower back pain., You will also learn gentle exercises and stretches to help relieve tension. Massage can help you prepare for the birthing process by increasing your awareness of tension in your body; along with teaching you breathing and relaxation techniques that enable you to release the tension and aid in a more stress-free delivery for you and your baby.
While pregnancy massage has all the benefits of “Swedish” massage, each session is tailored for the ongoing changes that you and your baby are experiencing. The massage strokes have been modified to address the more specific issues and conditions that a pregnant woman faces, whatever the trimester.
Welcome from your Massage Therapist (Before and After Pregnancy)
Massage therapy throughout the 2nd and 3rd trimester of your pregnancy, and postpartum, are beneficial for both mother and baby. As your massage therapist, we want your session to be safe for both you and your baby. Thus, we require a signed release from you and your maternity healthcare provider prior to beginning any therapeutic massage sessions with you. The reasons for this include:
- It gives you an overview of what you can expect
- It allows you to make your maternity healthcare provider aware of your desire to receive therapeutic massage both during and after your pregnancy
- It gives your maternity healthcare provider a chance to communicate to you, and your massage therapist, any precautions or limitations that are in the best interest of both you and your baby
If you have, or have had, any complications, conditions, or high risk factors, please discuss your condition(s) with us and your maternity healthcare provider.
You must bring both forms with you when you come for your 1st appointment. Postpartum massage therapy can begin 24 hours after birth, if no complications occurred. If there were complications or, if you had a Cesarean section, you must obtain a written release from your maternity healthcare provider before receiving a postpartum massage.
During your 1st appointment a complete health history will be taken discussing your overall health as well as how your pregnancy is progressing. Your health history will be updated, as needed, during subsequent visits: please advise us of any changes in your pregnancy. All information you provide will be held in the strictest confidence; no information will be released without your prior written permission.
Each massage session is designed to meet your specific needs on that particular day or during that particular stage of your pregnancy. The session will be modified as needed based on your feedback.
Your comfort and safety, and the safety of your child, are the utmost concern at all times during the session. Be sure to request changes in pressure, speed, position or any other objectionable aspects of your massage. During your massage session you will undress to your comfort level, a sheet covers you; only the area being worked is uncovered. Your breast and genital are not exposed, touched or massaged.
We have passed a written and practical examination following participation in a comprehensive curriculum specifically focused on massage during and following pregnancy. The curriculum included advanced massage techniques, specific pregnancy and postpartum exercises and support measures. Techniques are geared to the unique concerns of each trimester and of the postpartum period. The training included detailed information on the anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, labor and birth, with emphasis on the contraindications of therapeutic massage during normal and complicated pregnancies. Learning to recognize signs of complications was an important component of training, as well. We are committed to safely nurturing you and your baby and we look forward to our sessions.
