Pregnancy Massage
As an expectant mum, you will want all the calmness and serenity possible. Not only does a massage during pregnancy feel fantastic, it has some very good benefits for the expectant mum… and what is good for the mum will be good for the baby ... and your happy, relaxed hormones are their happy, relaxed hormones!
Pregnancy is a time when hormones and body shape are constantly changing. Different muscles are being used in different ways. Massage is a safe, healthy and relaxing natural therapy.
Benefits
Massage encourages good circulation. This means that all those important nutrients (and hormones) are available to more body tissues. Massage also helps to clear out metabolic waste that may have accumulated. Fatigued muscles are also soothed and relieved.
Research has shown that the more relaxed and stress free you are during pregnancy, the more relaxed the birth will be. Regardless of whether you are about to have a natural birth or a C-section. Massage results in shorter labour, reduced labour pain and less postpartum depression (Ref. Massage During Pregnancy – Bette L Waters, 2003, p93+94) (Ref. Clinical Aromatherapy for Pregnancy & Childbirth – Denise Tiran, Harcourt Publishers, 2000, p62)
Massage Effects During Pregnancy
- Reduces stress & promotes relaxation
- Improves circulation
- Relaxes tense and relieves sore muscles
- Helps remove metabolic waste (toxins)
- Stimulates lymph drainage
- Stimulates nerves
- Reduces oedema (water retention)
- Helps improve skin elasticity
- Helps relieve backpain & fatigue
- Helps alleviate morning sickness, constipation, headaches, indigestion & heartburn
What to Expect
When you initially contact me I will briefly discuss your requirements for the massage beforehand. There are certain medical conditions that would make you not suitable to massage – eg. Pre-pregnancy diabetes, cardiac/pulmonary/liver disorders, chronic hypertenstion, twins/triplets, asthma, RH-negative factor, abnormalities, convulsive disorders). If you are in any doubt about your suitability, please speak to your healthcare provider beforehand – I will require written consent for any of the conditions listed.
Before your treatment, I will discuss the massage with you and find out what preferences you may have. I typically use apricot kernel oil. If you wish to use your own (stretch mark oil), please let me know. I will ask you to fill out a brief medical questionnaire while I setup the massage table. Please would you make 2/3 pillows and a large towel available for the massage. If the room is a little cold, then a blanket close by would be good to cover you up if needed.
I have some relaxing CD’s with me, so if you have a CD player close by, there can be some tranquil music playing in the background.
For the massage I will go and wash my hands while you get ready. It is best to undress down to your knickers and then wrap the large towel around you. I will be massaging you lying on your side with pillows placed around you for comfort . I can help you onto the massage table if needed.
I will start by massaging along the one side of your back, then your arm and leg. I will then ask you to turn onto the other side and massage the other side of your body.
If at any point during the massage you would like a change in pressure or more attention to a specific area, please let me know. My massage routine is very flexible and I prefer to customise it to suit your needs. Your comfort and wellbeing are very important to me.
If a massage on a massage table is not possible, I can give your back and arms a massage while seated on a chair (facing the back of the chair).