Our Massage Services > Pregnancy Massage
What is Pregnancy Massage?
Taking care of yourself during your pregnancy is the very first way that you can begin to take care of your baby.
Whether you are actively trying to conceive, thinking of becoming pregnant, expecting a baby or recovering from a birth, massage therapy is a powerful investment in your well-being. Wherever you are in your journey towards being a parent, Hands On Therapy can serve your needs.
The benefits of massage therapy during pregnancy-
- Decreases stress;
- Lessens aches and pains in the hips, back, neck and shoulders;
- Promotes circulation;
- Reduces and prevents leg cramps;
- Relieves overworked feet;
- Reduces mild swelling in hands and feet;
- Improves sleep patterns;
- Helps prepare your muscles for the hard work of labor;
- Creates a feeling of wellness; and
- Provides a haven where the focus is just on your needs.
Massage also has special benefits before and after pregnancy…
Preconception
During the sometimes-stressful period of preconception, massage therapy can be an excellent complementary form of self-care. It increases general blood flow, and provides positive, respectful, and non-invasive touch.
Whether you are just beginning your journey towards conception, or have been undergoing fertility treatments for some time, massage therapy can be a source of relaxation and strength. Regardless of your path towards pregnancy, our certified massage therapists can tailor each session to meet your specific needs.
Because every massage therapist at Hands On Therapy who provides massage therapy during the special time of preconception is trained and certified in the physiology of childbearing, you are guaranteed sensitive and educated support in your journey. We can communicate with any healthcare professionals you may be working with to optimize your experience.
As soon as you inform us that you are trying to conceive, we follow all massage therapy protocols consistent with the first trimester of pregnancy to be sure that we are respecting the presence of any undetected pregnancies. Additionally, some of our massage therapists specialize in massage techniques that can aid fertility treatments and pregnancy achievement.
Massage therapy techniques like Acupressure and Tui Na, which are rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, approach fertility with the same effective framework that makes Acupuncture so successful. Repeat studies have shown that Acupuncture done concurrently with IVF treatments leads to an increased success rate. Mayan Abdominal Massage Therapy is effective in addressing some of the root causes of infertility. If you are investigating medical approaches to fertility, ask your doctor about massage therapy.
Postpartum
The healthy changes in your hormone levels and blood clotting mechanisms that your body makes to accommodate pregnancy and birth take several weeks to subside after birth. Also, the natural changes in your physiology as you began to lactate and recover from your birth require special care on the part of your massage therapist.
For at least six weeks postpartum, we are sure to schedule you for a massage with a massage therapist who is trained and certified for both pregnancy and postpartum work. In addition to using the best techniques to meet your body's changing needs, they can be sure that you are comfortably positioned for your massage. Our massage therapists tailor their massage approach to address your needs. Massage can be a powerful anchor during this adjustment period, relieving aches and pains from the birth experience, breastfeeding, and baby carrying.
Although massage therapy is absolutely safe during most pregnancies, there are occasions when massage therapy must be avoided or adjusted if you are experiencing a high-risk pregnancy. If you are experiencing complications or you have been told by your midwife or doctor that your pregnancy is high risk, we require a written release form from your medical caregiver before providing massage therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Massage Therapy and Pregnancy:
Can I receive massage in my first trimester?
Massage therapy is absolutely safe during a healthy pregnancy. Please inform your massage therapist of how many weeks along you are so that we can position you safely and comfortably on the massage table. We perform no abdominal massage during the first trimester. Please inform us if any complications arise, or if you have any special needs. We are happy to provide you with a Release Form for your doctor to evaluate if your pregnancy is high risk.
Do you use cut-out tables?
No. Cut-out tables can place strain on the uterine and low back ligaments, and induce hypotension. At Hands On Therapy, we are skilled in positioning our clients using either the sidelying or semireclining positions.
What position will I lie in to receive massage as my abdomen grows?
You will be comfortably positioned on your side, supported by pillows, or in a semireclining position.
Is it safe to receive massage late in pregnancy?
Yes, as long as your pregnancy is low risk or approved by your medical caregiver.
Does my massage therapist at Hands On Therapy have special training in pregnancy?
Yes. All massage therapists at Hands On Therapy who work with expectant and postpartum clients hold certification in pregnancy massage.
What if my pregnancy is considered high risk?
Massage can be adapted for most high-risk conditions in pregnancy. We provide a Release Form for your midwife or doctor to sign that allows then to instruct us on any special needs you may have. We can fax or mail out the form whenever you need it.
What is Infant Massage?
The practice of providing a loving gentle soothing massage to an infant by their parents and other caregivers is Infant Massage. It is a simple, gentle, yet firm application of stroking, pressing, squeezing, and movement of the baby's limbs. Massage provides the infant with tactile stimulation and body movement essential to their healthy growth and development. Additionally, Infant Massage promotes the loving bonding between the baby, their parents, and/or other caregivers.
At the client's request, our massage therapists at Hands On Therapy can include training in Infant Massage during a Pregnancy Massage session.