What to expect during your pre-natal massage ?
After an initial consultation, your therapist will perform the massage with an holistic approach, but also paying special attention to any areas you have highlighted. Your positioning during the massage will be tailored around what is most comfortable for you. Positions may include lying on your side or semi-reclining.
Reducing Tension...
Overall, your massage should be a calming experience, and promote feelings of contentment and relaxation. I will use a variety of techniques with the aim to relax the entire body by relieving tension held within the muscles. It’s not uncommon to feel sleepy after a treatment and I will leave enough time for you to bring yourself back into the moment without losing the feeling of relaxation.
Reducing Swelling...
Oedema, or swelling, is a normal part of pregnancy (more than 80% in one study) but can cause increasing discomfort. Caused by increased fluid retention, oedema occurs throughout the body but is most common in the legs, ankles and feet. Oedema is usually noticed later in the day or after standing for a long period of time – but as your pregnancy progresses it can become a constant companion. Pregnancy massage works by using directed pressure to activate the lymphatic system – encouraging the fluid to drain away naturally, relieving swelling. Effleurage is a technique whereby flat-handed pressure is used to push excess fluid towards glands – it’s a gentle technique which allows sensitive and aching areas to be treated without irritation.
Is Pregnancy Massage Right for Me?
Prenatal Massage is both safe and beneficial for the majority of mothers-to-be. You can start at any point from 12 weeks into pregnancy, including up to and past your due date in healthy pregnancies.
There are some instances when massage may not be appropriate, particularly in a high-risk pregnancy or with certain health conditions (diabetes or morning sickness for example), so I always advise checking with your doctor or midwife first.
Here are some contraindication for pregnancy massage:
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Severe Morning Sickness
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High-Risk Pregnancy (e.g., preeclampsia, gestational diabetes)
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Placenta Previa
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Severe Swelling (Edema)
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Blood Clots
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Unexplained Abdominal Pain
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Complications from Multiple Pregnancies
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Active Infections or Fevers
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Recent Surgery
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History of Miscarriage or Complications
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Severe Back Pain (needs medical evaluation)
Always check with a healthcare provider if a pregnancy massage is suitable for you and please inform me before booking to discuss if we can proceed.
Post-natal Massage
In the lead up to giving birth it is easy to disregard your post-baby plan. By continuing a regimen of massage after birth you can help ease the effects of fluctuating hormones and the stress associated. Lowering cortisol levels naturally through massage is beneficial for your mental wellbeing and for your baby if you are breastfeeding, while remedial massage techniques can help your body re-adjust after the physical stresses of labour. You can return for further massages from 12 weeks post partum.
And yes you can bring them along... though it can be equally nourishing for you to take some time out and away just for you.
