Prenatal/Postnatal (Postpartum) Pregnancy Massage
Enjoy pregnancy to its fullest for the awesome experience that it is. Pregnancy massage focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as she goes through the dramatic, physical and emotional changes of the childbirth experience.
Pregnancy massage is a wonderful therapy and has many benefits. These benefits include headache relief, increased circulation, reduced swelling, reduced sciatic pain, relief of muscle spasms and cramps just to name a few.
Our pregnancy massage provides emotional and physical nurturing that is calming and soothing for both the mother and the baby.
*The American Pregnancy Assoc & now other sites are now calling Postnatal massage “Postpartum massage”, stating that Postpartum refers more to the mother & postnatal refers more to the baby
While every pregnancy is unique, the changes to the body as a baby grows often causes discomfort for the parent-to-be. A pregnancy massage can help relieve some of these symptoms along with other benefits.
Benefits of pregnancy massage:
Relaxation, Stress reduction, Pain relief, Hormone regulation, Decreased swelling, and better sleep are all benefits of postnatal massage.
Using Myofascial release & CranioSacral therapy can reach deeper into the body for more of an absolute healing and and recovery.
Pain Relief
As the abdomen grows, posture changes to realign the center of gravity. For some people, the stress on the joints and muscles results in low back, pelvic, neck, shoulder, or sciatic nerve pain.
Professional prenatal massage therapy can relieve these aches. Research shows that it is also very effective for leg and back pain during pregnancy.
Reduced Swelling
Some swelling, or edema, is also normal during pregnancy. The fluid buildup tends to be more pronounced in the legs, ankles, and feet because the growing uterus puts pressure on the veins in the legs. Massage may help to reduce this fluid buildup.
Better Sleep
Difficulty sleeping is common during all stages of pregnancy, thanks to physical discomfort as well as stress and anxiety. Massage may help improve sleep quality and insomnia during pregnancy.
Relaxation and Stress Reduction
Prenatal massage is also used to boost mood and enhance overall well-being. For example, in one study that measured pregnant women’s stress and immune system function, women who received a series of prenatal massages showed significant decreases in stress hormone levels and enhanced immune function.
Additional research shows that prenatal massage can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. Both professional massage therapy and massages from a partner can help decrease depression, anxiety, stress, and even preterm delivery. A 2020 study showed an association between prenatal massage and decreased depression and anxiety.
What Makes Pregnancy Massage Different
A pregnant person’s body must be properly positioned and supported during the massage for the comfort and safety of the mother and growing baby. After about 20 weeks, for instance, lying on your back can put excess pressure on your abdomen, restricting blood flow.
During a prenatal massage, you will typically be positioned lying on your side rather than on your stomach or back. This is particularly important during the later stages of pregnancy. Pillows, bolsters, or padding will be used to support your back, knees, and/or feet. Alternatively, you may need to sit upright or in a semi-reclining position.
The most common massage technique used during pregnancy massage is effleurage, a long, gliding stroke used in Swedish massage (and also sometimes used to ease contraction pain during labor). If you’re used to strong pressure, you’ll likely find the pressure during pregnancy massage gentle and light.
While deeper pressure may be used in certain areas distant from your belly like your shoulders, the overall pressure may be much lighter than what you are used to. The massage is also tailored to your health concerns. If you are experiencing morning sickness, for example, your massage will avoid using rocking techniques.