WHY PRENATAL and POSTPARTUM MASSAGE?
Prenatal Massage uses techniques designed specifically to address pregnancy’s challenges. Several research studies suggest that pregnancy massage may help to:
- Encourage relaxation and reduce anxiety
- Help alleviate muscle and joint pain
- Improve breathing and digestion
- Improve mom and baby’s health by reducing the negative impacts of stress on both
- Help mom feel more at home and in touch with herself and her baby
- Contribute to easier, shorter labors
- And, it feels so good!
- Abdominal recovery
- Reducing the strain of baby care on mom’s body ("nursing neck", shoulder and arm strain, back pain)
- Support satisfying breast feeding
- Nurturing the mother. Moms who are massaged tend to more quickly and fully touch their babies in loving, nurturing ways, and that leads to a more peaceful world for us all.
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WHAT to EXPECT During PRENATAL MASSAGE
Yes, massage is safe and beneficial in the first trimester!
An experienced, perinatal specialist will know when to begin changing positioning for massage during this time.
Your second and third trimesters require side-lying positioning, with the occasional semi-reclined option earlier in the second trimester, and for short periods of time as therapeutically indicated throughout the rest of the pregnancy.
Your side-lying position will be VERY comfortably supported by pillows, bolsters and cushions expertly arranged by me. I know how to create the perfect and relaxing nest needed.
Why side-lying? Can I use the system that let's me lay face down?
I do not offer massage in the face down position, or use any such systems. I have taken the highest level of training available for Perinatal Massage, and this is what is taught. As a woman focused massage therapist, and one that has midwifery, birth, and postpartum care experience, I have a deep knowledge of the pelvic structures (and still learning all the time!) and understand how certain positions affect not only the muscles and joints, but also the fascia (connective tissues) that support pregnancy. It is no mistake that nature did not intend for us to lay face down easily during the later stages of pregnancy. Because most "belly in a hole" systems are not fully customizable, there is no one way to ensure that the uterine ligaments or related fascial structures are not irritated. Most of the sturctures in question, when irritated, can contribute to the general ache felt in the low back. So, in essence, the 60 - 90 minutes of temporary comfort can potential create additional discomfort later.
A last important point: attempting to rest at home face down comfortably or safely is unlikely. Being seen by an experienced perinatal therapist who massages in side lying will not only make you incredibly comfortable, but also inform you on how you can duplicate the positioning at home, which will give you more rest.
What about those pressure points that should be avoided, and massaging the feet and ankles?
Every therapist who trains for prenatal massage is taught the areas to avoid. However, attending the more in depth training offers therapists the information that working pressure points requires more in depth knowledge of accupressure to achieve the onset of labor. Many factors come into play, and clients should be wary of anyone who claims "induction massage" unless they have specifically trained in these techniques - accupuncturists who are also massage therapists would be the most skilled in this regard. Highly trained and experienced perinatal massage therapists (20 hours or more of training) can comfortably and safely offer massage of these areas with the appropriate pressure. Denying expectant mothers relief of massage to aching feet is unnessesary.
An experienced, perinatal specialist will know when to begin changing positioning for massage during this time.
Your second and third trimesters require side-lying positioning, with the occasional semi-reclined option earlier in the second trimester, and for short periods of time as therapeutically indicated throughout the rest of the pregnancy.
Your side-lying position will be VERY comfortably supported by pillows, bolsters and cushions expertly arranged by me. I know how to create the perfect and relaxing nest needed.
Why side-lying? Can I use the system that let's me lay face down?
I do not offer massage in the face down position, or use any such systems. I have taken the highest level of training available for Perinatal Massage, and this is what is taught. As a woman focused massage therapist, and one that has midwifery, birth, and postpartum care experience, I have a deep knowledge of the pelvic structures (and still learning all the time!) and understand how certain positions affect not only the muscles and joints, but also the fascia (connective tissues) that support pregnancy. It is no mistake that nature did not intend for us to lay face down easily during the later stages of pregnancy. Because most "belly in a hole" systems are not fully customizable, there is no one way to ensure that the uterine ligaments or related fascial structures are not irritated. Most of the sturctures in question, when irritated, can contribute to the general ache felt in the low back. So, in essence, the 60 - 90 minutes of temporary comfort can potential create additional discomfort later.
A last important point: attempting to rest at home face down comfortably or safely is unlikely. Being seen by an experienced perinatal therapist who massages in side lying will not only make you incredibly comfortable, but also inform you on how you can duplicate the positioning at home, which will give you more rest.
What about those pressure points that should be avoided, and massaging the feet and ankles?
Every therapist who trains for prenatal massage is taught the areas to avoid. However, attending the more in depth training offers therapists the information that working pressure points requires more in depth knowledge of accupressure to achieve the onset of labor. Many factors come into play, and clients should be wary of anyone who claims "induction massage" unless they have specifically trained in these techniques - accupuncturists who are also massage therapists would be the most skilled in this regard. Highly trained and experienced perinatal massage therapists (20 hours or more of training) can comfortably and safely offer massage of these areas with the appropriate pressure. Denying expectant mothers relief of massage to aching feet is unnessesary.
Your First POSTPARTUM MASSAGE: You AND Your Baby!
DID YOU KNOW that I can accommodate you AND your baby during your first early postpartum massages?
It's true! With your health providers approval, massage can happen immediately after birth. You can bring your baby and we address massage needs in either semi-recline or side-lying positions, with your baby in arms, propped safely with bolsters. I am experienced in a multitude of adaptations to make this a very relaxing and stress free post birth experience.
I ask that you call (520-907-9709, please leave a detailed message, and I ask patience for replying as I am often in session) or email (info@prenatalmassagetucson.com) me directly to discuss details of this very important appointment. Together we will choose the best time of day. 90 Minutes is required for bringing baby.
It's true! With your health providers approval, massage can happen immediately after birth. You can bring your baby and we address massage needs in either semi-recline or side-lying positions, with your baby in arms, propped safely with bolsters. I am experienced in a multitude of adaptations to make this a very relaxing and stress free post birth experience.
I ask that you call (520-907-9709, please leave a detailed message, and I ask patience for replying as I am often in session) or email (info@prenatalmassagetucson.com) me directly to discuss details of this very important appointment. Together we will choose the best time of day. 90 Minutes is required for bringing baby.
The UNIQUE Needs of WOMEN
Women's bodies have unique needs. In addition to the demands of mothering, a woman lives within her cycles. Her cycles are unique only to her, and how she moves about the world is influenced by this experience.
Women are most often fulfilling the role as the family care-giver. Not just with children, but with her partner, but with other family members, who may actually live in the household (such as aging parents). More than ever, women play an equal role in the work force, and coupled with care-giving, our responsibilities are many.
Women tend to put their needs last, and this is why RADICAL SELF CARE is so important. We can not be sustainable if we are giving from an empty vessel.
It is my passion to EMPOWER women to create a SELF CARE practice that fills her up. Massage is a wonderful addition to this practice. I will use my deep knowledge of women's bodies and how they manifest stress to help you relax, let go, get rid of chronic pain patterns, and encourage you to move, eat well, and do things that you love.
I can work with other health and wellness providers if you have issues with your core or pelvic floor, and be part of your healing process.
Women are most often fulfilling the role as the family care-giver. Not just with children, but with her partner, but with other family members, who may actually live in the household (such as aging parents). More than ever, women play an equal role in the work force, and coupled with care-giving, our responsibilities are many.
Women tend to put their needs last, and this is why RADICAL SELF CARE is so important. We can not be sustainable if we are giving from an empty vessel.
It is my passion to EMPOWER women to create a SELF CARE practice that fills her up. Massage is a wonderful addition to this practice. I will use my deep knowledge of women's bodies and how they manifest stress to help you relax, let go, get rid of chronic pain patterns, and encourage you to move, eat well, and do things that you love.
I can work with other health and wellness providers if you have issues with your core or pelvic floor, and be part of your healing process.