What are the benefits of pregnancy massage?

     While pregnancy massage has all the benefits of "regular" massage, it has been tailored to address more specifically the issues and conditions that a pregnant woman faces.  More time is spent on methods to address low back and hip pain, edema, nausea, heartburn, constipation, etc.   Touch Research Institute conducted a study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology showing that women who received regular massage had decreased anxiety and stress hormones during pregnancy and fewer obstetric and postnatal complications, including lower prematurity rates  So, in addition to making you happier and more comfortable, pregnancy massage is good for your health and your baby's health.  Please feel free to call me with questions about how massage can help with specific issues.

Nurture yourself and have a healthier baby

     Prenatal massage is a wonderful way to nurture yourself and relax while easing or relieving many of the discomforts of pregnancy. Massage feels great, and it’s good for you. It boosts your immune system, reduces the negative effects of stress, improves the quality of sleep, and makes your body feel wonderfully comfortable. Mothers who receive regular prenatal massage have shorter labors and healthier babies. (See abstract.)

Reduce stress and fatigue

     Pregnancy is a time of great change – physically, mentally and emotionally. These changes may affect your lifestyle, your job, and your relationships with friends and family. Change, no matter how welcome, is stressful. The tension caused by stress, combined with the physical changes in your body, may diminish your energy for dealing with the demands of daily living. A relaxing massage can relieve tension, promote better sleep, and boost your energy level.

     In addition to relieving tight muscles and calming the nervous system, massage increases circulation bringing energy-producing nutrients to tissues and carrying away metabolic waste products that make you feel fatigued.

Ease discomfort

Massage can help with many of the discomforts your body experiences during the rapid changes of pregnancy.

     Massage can:

• Relieve pain in your muscles and joints as they adjust to supporting extra weight.
• Ease heartburn, gas, and constipation, since overall relaxation stimulates and balances digestion and elimination.
• Relieve headaches caused by tension, constipation, or buildup of metabolic waste products.
• Reduce fluid retention by enhancing circulation and elimination of excess fluids.
• Minimize the development of varicose veins as enhanced circulation takes some of the pressure off of bulging veins.

 

What are the benefits of postpartum massage?

 

     After the baby arrives, I can help the new mother get comfortable in her new body and new role.  Specific work in the neck, shoulders and back helps with "nursing neck" - all the new tension from the hours of breastfeeding, bottle feeding, holding, making eye contact, etc.  I can do specific work in the hips and low back to help the pelvis recover from pregnancy and childbirth.  Best of all, I can help nurture and take care of someone whose new job is to take care of and nurture someone else.  It's a chance for mom to be taken care of and have the focus of attention be on her needs.