Pre/Post- Natal

Becoming pregnant is one of the most amazing journeys a woman can experience. A time to nurture and care for one’s self, because you are not alone anymore. During this journey, as one will discover, the body changes in so many ways. Some changes are wonderful, while others can leave mom feeling quite uncomfortable. Like:

• Indigestion and heartburn
• Muscle tension in neck and shoulders from altered posture
• Swollen hands and feet
• Low back and hip pain due to pressure from the growing baby
• Varicose veins

Massage therapy can help ease these discomforts, as well as, provide the following benefits:

• Enhance mother’s immune system function
• Reduce maternal blood pressure, heart, and respiratory rate
• Reduce fear and anxiety associated with pregnancy and the birth process
• Reduce labor time and complications
• Increase uterine blood supply to enhance fetal health and development
• Increase mother’s energy levels

Pre-natal massage therapy is slightly different from regular massage therapy. One difference is the positioning of the client. During a session mom lies on her side supported by pillows and cushions, to accommodate her growing abdomen during her second and third trimester. Seated massage is also another alternative, if lying down is uncomfortable. Also, discontinuing the use of some essential oils is necessary during pregnancy to avoid complications, for instance basil, clary sage, rosemary, and peppermint. Lavender should also be avoided in the first trimester, but can be used in small doses towards the end of the pregnancy.

Post-natal massage therapy can be a wonderful way for a new mother to cope with all the changes she is going through both emotionally and physically. There is a tremendous shift that happens hormonally after the birth of the baby, which can leave mom feeling emotional highs and lows, like elation, irritability, and anxiety. Physically, the body is trying to recover from a process that took nine months to create, in as little as 8 weeks. The new mom may complain of the following physical aliments:

• Headaches
• Backaches
• Swollen legs and feet
• Neck and shoulder tension
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

As well as, helping relieve the above physical aliments, postpartum massage therapy can also help with:

• Nursing problems, reducing tension helps with milk letdown.
• Emotional recovery and postpartum “blues”
• Fatigue associated with hormonal adjustments and the demands of being a new mother