Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy Massage and Bodywork
In your journey through pregnancy, labour and birth, I believe that if you can listen to your body, you will know what feels right for you. Massage in pregnancy is a wonderful opportunity for you and your baby to connect and relax together. This massage is suitable at any stage in your pregnancy; first, second and third trimester.
Whether you choose to come regularly or only once, we will plan your massage session, taking account of your medical and obstetric history, lifestyle and stage of pregnancy.
These sessions are intended to provide extra support in helping to maintain health in pregnancy and do not replace the ante-natal care you receive from your Midwife.
The physiological, emotional and postural changes that occur during pregnancy, can lead to ailments, aches and pains, especially in the back neck and shoulders. Massage, and gentle mobilization help to ease and prevent these tensions, relaxing, softening and lengthening the postural muscles of the back. Acupressure massage can help alleviate the symptoms of morning sickness and carpal tunnel syndrome. Lymphatic drainage massage can be helpful in reducing swelling.
You may choose to use the session purely for massage, or include other approaches.
A Pregnancy Massage session may incorporate:
* Advice & exercises to strengthen the abdominal, pelvic floor and postural muscles
* The opportunity to explore movements and positions beneficial for labour and birth, and which encourage your baby to settle into the best position.
* Breathing, visualization and relaxation techniques - relaxation is vital in labour.
* Your birth partner is also welcome to earn massage & shiatsu skills for labour.
* Shiatsu techniques may be used to facilitate the induction of labour if needed.
Combining massage, shiatsu energy work and exercise in this way enables deep relaxation & feeling of well-being, easing tensions & supporting your changing body. It helps you tune in to your pregnancy, connecting with your body & unborn baby in preparation for the birth.
Regular massage treatments throughout pregnancy can significantly improve the likelihood of having a normal labour and birth close to term. (Though of course there is nothing like babies for unpredictability!)
Postnatal support
From 2 weeks after birth, massage nurtures the mother helping to promote easier recovery.
Massage at this time can also be nurturing and healing for women who are experiencing post-natal depression. It offers women a space without judgement in which to rest the mind and be gently supported in re-connecting with themselves.